“I feel like I’m all by myself, isolated with nobody to talk to. I never talk to my family or civilian friends about my experiences.They don’t understand and never will, so I just avoid the subject.”

Gordon Cucullu, Lt Col (Ret.), says he hears this repeatedly from contemporary vets. So often that he says it’s become a mantra. He wonders why this is such a universal phenomenon?

Korea 1970 Cucullu early service years

So, we give over WoW, our Words on Wednesdays today to the wisdom of the ‘old vet’ resident at the Valhalla Project. Valhalla is a place where warriors seeking respite, are enjoined to work with their hands in nature. There they find clean air and easier talk of their troubles and their triumphs, with others who understand, even if in just the sounds of side by side work in the wild. [Read more…]

How to find your way to Valhalla? An earthly and modern version of the paradise for warriors, the Valhalla Project is a haven for veterans to gather. They may, as tradition holds, regale each other with their stories, or not. They can, however, come to be occupied in productive pursuits in nature and to restore their spirits and bodies, for a little while in their healing and transition time. And, in the company of others who understand.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gordon Cucullu, Valhalla Project Co-founder

Inside information is shared here! Part II gives the step-by-step process for a qualified Soldier who might wish to spend some time in Valhalla to apply.

The insider? Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gordon Cucullu, who with his life and project partner, Chris Fontana, founded the Valhalla Project. They are also co-authors of the book Warrior Police, whose proceeds are tagged entirely to support the operation of this incredibly healthy project. Now.. In their own words…..

Transition takes on a new face and unexpected pace with the Valhalla Project. Guest contributor Lt. Col. (Ret.) Cucullu writes about the concept first voiced by his wife, Chris Fontana. The co-founders created this project to help active duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve forces as well as some specially selected civilian war zone workers in healthy transitions.

Participants are active in nature, community projects to maintain the unique setting and pick up skills while enjoying a respite from the individual challenges of their lives.

Genesis of the Valhalla Project

In summer of 2010, my wife and I were homeless. Not in the sense of
sleeping under the overpass in a Kenmore large appliance box, but we really didn’t have a home per se any longer. [Read more…]

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